MSX Chairman’s Dialogue hosts Dr Cook

Endeavouring to build a bridge between global and Omani stalwarts from their respective fields, Muscat Stock Exchange organised the inaugural edition of the ‘ MSX Chairman’s Dialogue’ at the MSX Investors Hall on March 21.

Mohammed Mahfoodh al Ardhi, chairman, MSX hosted Dr Bradley J Cook president of the American University of Bahrain, the first comprehensive American-model co-educational university in the Kingdom of Bahrain during the inaugural session.

The topic of the discourse was ‘The Future of Higher Education in the Middle East,’ and it shed light on the Current State of Higher Education, Key Trends Shaping the Future of Higher Education, Global Dynamics and

Shifting Economies, Evolving Educational Paradigms and Vision for the Future, a press release said.

Initiating the dialogue, Ardhi said higher education in the Middle East is influenced by several factors that includes technological advancements, changing demographics and economic development. Technology will continue to play a key role in transforming higher education in the Middle East, he said. E-learning platforms, online courses, and virtual classrooms will become more prevalent, offering greater flexibility and accessibility to students.

The dialogue marks the beginning of a series which will host distinguished personalities from finance, academia, investing and corporate leaders. These luminaries will share their experience and learnings broadening the knowledge horizon of attending guests.

Dr Cook, who is a noted educationist with nearly 30 years of executive administrative experience in higher education, said though the current state of higher education does not look great, he had firm belief in education. Research continues to demonstrate the value of a university education due to better earning potential, increased household incomes and better health.